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CRITIK

Star Wars Battlefront II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Star Wars Battlefront II
Item: Star Wars Battlefront II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 14, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperEA DICE

Overview

Embark on an endless Star Wars action experience from the best-selling Star Wars HD video game franchise of all time. Experience rich multiplayer battlegrounds across all 3 eras - prequel, classic and new trilogy - or rise as a new hero and discover an emotionally gripping single-player story spanning thirty years. Customise and upgrade your heroes, starfighters or troopers - each with unique abilities to exploit in battle. Ride tauntauns or take control of tanks and speeders. Use the Force to prove your worth against iconic characters like Kylo Ren, Darth Maul or Han Solo, as you play a part in a gaming experience inspired by forty years of timeless Star Wars films.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Star Wars Battlefront II received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as Everyeye.it and COGconnected, praised the engaging storyline with well-written characters and exciting missions that immersed players in the Star Wars universe. They appreciated the nostalgic elements and the opportunity to interact with major players from the original trilogy. Additionally, Impulsegamer highlighted the addition of a campaign mode with a moral element that added realism to the sci-fi adventure, providing a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe. On the other hand, several critics expressed disappointment with the story of Star Wars Battlefront II. Cheat Code Central and Slant Magazine criticized the narrative for becoming predictable, filled with fanservice, and lacking depth. They mentioned that the story started strong but ultimately fell short, with undercooked missions and pandering cameos that detracted from the overall experience. Furthermore, Digital Chumps and Worth Playing noted that the campaign rushed through character development, leading to a lack of meaningful additions to the Star Wars canon and a disjointed storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Star Wars Battlefront II leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the nostalgic elements, engaging gameplay experiences, and well-written characters, others found the narrative to be predictable, uninspired, and lacking in depth. The inclusion of major movie characters and the bridging of gaps between trilogies were seen as both positive and negative aspects, depending on the critic's perspective. Ultimately, the story of Star Wars Battlefront II seems to have left a divided impression, with some critics finding it immersive and enjoyable, while others felt it fell short of expectations in terms of narrative cohesion and character development.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics had mixed feelings about the story of Star Wars Battlefront II. Some praised the engaging missions and well-written characters that immersed players in the Star Wars universe, while others criticized the narrative for being predictable and lacking depth. The inclusion of major movie characters received both positive and negative feedback. Overall, opinions on the story range from immersive and enjoyable to falling short in terms of narrative cohesion and character development.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Star Wars Battlefront II are diverse, showcasing a range of positive and negative aspects. Many critics praised the game for its engaging and diverse gameplay options, such as different modes like Galactic Assault and Starfighter Assault, as well as the inclusion of various classes, weapons, and abilities. Areajugones highlighted the strategic multiplayer modes and diverse experiences on land and in space, while Digital Trends appreciated the attention to detail in capturing the Star Wars aesthetic and the depth added by the class-based system. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded commended the game for offering variety to prevent repetition and catering to a wider audience with different classes and weapons. However, some critics raised concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay in Star Wars Battlefront II. Several critics mentioned issues with the progression system, with Digital Chumps and The Daily Dot pointing out frustrations with the progression system being unrewarding and hindered by paywalled loot crates. Metro GameCentral criticized the reliance on luck and microtransactions in the progression system, impacting fairness and the overall gameplay experience. Giant Bomb and Push Square noted repetitive and uninspired objectives in both the single-player campaign and multiplayer modes, highlighting a lack of variety and excitement in the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Star Wars Battlefront II is mixed. While some critics praised the game for its engaging set-pieces, diverse gameplay modes, and attention to detail in capturing the Star Wars universe, others criticized it for its repetitive objectives, frustrating progression system, and lack of innovation. Critics like Game Informer and Xbox Achievements appreciated the multiplayer experience and variety of modes, while others like Slant Magazine and Push Square found the gameplay lacking in imagination and excitement. The game seems to have succeeded in offering diverse gameplay options and capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe, but its progression system and repetitive gameplay elements have divided opinions among critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Star Wars Battlefront II's gameplay. Praise for engaging modes and attention to detail, but criticism for frustrating progression system and lack of innovation. Some love the multiplayer experience, while others find it lacking in excitement. Overall, diverse gameplay but divisive opinions among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Star Wars Battlefront II, highlighting the stunning visuals, attention to detail, and faithful representation of the Star Wars universe. Areajugones commended the top-notch graphics that enhanced the overall experience with impressive visuals, while Cheat Code Central noted the dark aesthetic with explosions of bright, deep colors, creating a visually impactful experience. Digitally Downloaded and LaPS4 both emphasized the fantastic presentation, immersive visuals, and stunning sound effects that truly captured the essence of the Star Wars universe. Additionally, Impulsegamer and Game Informer lauded the accurate representations of each era in the Star Wars universe, with breathtaking battles and meticulously crafted models that made exotic locations feel real. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few drawbacks regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Star Wars Battlefront II. Digital Trends pointed out that some maps felt unbalanced, impacting the overall visual experience for players. Giant Bomb mentioned that while the game had great visuals and controls, these aspects did little to improve the overall bland gameplay experience. Push Square also noted that while the graphics were fine, the game didn't go out of its way to impress with its presentation, suggesting a lack of innovation or wow factor in the visual design. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Star Wars Battlefront II. The game is lauded for its stunning visuals, authentic representation of the Star Wars universe, and immersive environments that truly transport players into the iconic galaxy far, far away. Critics like Game Rant and Xbox Achievements hailed it as one of the best-looking Star Wars games to date, capturing the essence of the films and offering an unparalleled visual experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding gameplay balance and innovation, the majority of critics agree that Star Wars Battlefront II excels in delivering a visually stunning and faithful Star Wars experience that resonates with fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Star Wars Battlefront II's graphics, praising stunning visuals and faithful Star Wars universe representation. Some mention unbalanced maps, bland gameplay, and lack of innovation, but overall, the game offers an immersive, visually striking experience that captures the essence of the beloved franchise.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Star Wars Battlefront II, highlighting its high-quality and immersive nature. Areajugones commended the sound design for contributing to the immersive experience, while COGconnected mentioned that everything from the music to the effects to the scene transitions felt authentically Star Wars. Digitally Downloaded and Easy Allies both emphasized the immersive sound design, featuring recognizable sounds and iconic music from the movies that enhanced the gameplay experience. GamesRadar++ noted that most things sounded like they belonged in the Star Wars universe, further emphasizing the game's ability to capture the essence of the iconic franchise. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the sound design and music of Star Wars Battlefront II was positive, a few critics did mention some drawbacks. Hardcore Gamer pointed out that some voice actors for iconic characters were laughably bad, although the overall audio experience was fantastic. Worth Playing noted some flaws like noticeable foliage pop-up, which slightly detracted from the otherwise well-done audio design. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the vast majority praising the game's ability to capture the sights and sounds of the Star Wars universe effectively. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Star Wars Battlefront II received high praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its immersive and authentic representation of the Star Wars universe. IGN Italia noted that the sound design enhanced the immersive experience, while Impulsegamer mentioned that the audio landscape added to the immersion, making players feel like they were truly part of the universe. TheXboxHub praised the attention to detail in bringing the Star Wars universe to life, while Xbox Tavern described the sound as phenomenal, further emphasizing the positive reception towards the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics was that the sound design and music of Star Wars Battlefront II were exceptional, successfully capturing the essence of the beloved franchise and enhancing the overall gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Star Wars Battlefront II for its high-quality, immersive nature that authentically captures the essence of the iconic franchise. While some critics noted minor flaws like laughably bad voice acting and noticeable foliage pop-up, the overall consensus was positive, with many highlighting the game's ability to bring the Star Wars universe to life effectively.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as Everyeye.it, NZGamer, The Daily Dot, and Xbox Tavern, praised the voice acting performances in the game. They highlighted the well-done portrayals of characters like Iden Versio and the members of Inferno Squad, which added depth and authenticity to the narrative. The use of real actors reprising their roles, as mentioned by We Got This Covered, also contributed to enhancing the overall Star Wars experience. These standout performances helped in immersing players into the story and creating a compelling atmosphere within the game. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II. Digital Chumps and GamesRadar++ noted that while there were some standout performances, the overall story surrounding the characters was forgettable and lacked impact. GamesRadar++ specifically mentioned the main character being dull and contributing very little to the canon, which could have affected the overall engagement with the narrative. Additionally, Game Rant and Hardcore Gamer pointed out issues with certain iconic characters not sounding like their original actors, which could be distracting for fans familiar with the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II leans towards the positive side. While there were some criticisms about certain performances and the impact of the story, the majority of reviewers appreciated the effort put into bringing the characters to life through voice acting. Metro GameCentral highlighted the well-done voice acting that added heart to the narrative, despite some minor drawbacks. The mix of commendable performances, authentic portrayals, and well-developed characters, as noted by NZGamer and The Daily Dot, contributed to an overall positive reception of the voice acting in the game. Despite some flaws, the voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II succeeded in enhancing the immersive experience and capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe for many critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II. Some praised the performances of characters like Iden Versio while others found the story forgettable and lacking impact. Despite concerns about certain performances and character authenticity, most reviewers appreciated the effort put into bringing the characters to life through voice acting, adding depth and authenticity to the game. Overall, the voice acting in Star Wars Battlefront II received a positive reception for enhancing the immersive experience and capturing the essence of the Star Wars universe.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Everyeye.it highlighted minimal frame drops and a smooth gameplay experience, while Impulsegamer noted the absence of annoying glitches from the previous game. EGM also mentioned that the servers were handling traffic well during their playthrough. These comments indicate that the game generally runs smoothly on the PS4, with stable performance and minimal technical issues reported. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the PS4 version of Star Wars Battlefront II. Digital Chumps pointed out technical hiccups and long loading times into matches, impacting the overall experience. Digitally Downloaded highlighted issues with matchmaking and progression system structure, particularly related to microtransactions and loot boxes, which led to backlash from players. These criticisms suggest that while the game performs adequately on the PS4, there are areas such as loading times and progression mechanics that could be improved for a better player experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Star Wars Battlefront II across both the PS4 and Xbox One platforms is relatively positive. Hardcore Gamer and Xbox Achievements noted that the game runs well on the Xbox One, with stable servers and minor bugs encountered. MondoXbox praised the smooth performance on the Frostbite engine, supporting high resolutions and HDR technology. Twinfinite did mention some lag and connectivity issues on the Xbox One, particularly in Starfighter Assault, but overall stability was considered decent. ZTGD highlighted the game's smooth performance on all consoles, with the Xbox One X version achieving native 4K resolution. While there were some criticisms regarding specific technical aspects on each platform, the overall sentiment is that Star Wars Battlefront II delivers a satisfactory technical performance across both the PS4 and Xbox One, with improvements needed in certain areas to enhance the player experience further.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praised the technical performance of Star Wars Battlefront II on PS4, citing smooth gameplay and stable servers. However, some noted issues like long loading times and progression system flaws. On Xbox One, the game also received positive feedback for its smooth performance and high resolutions. While some critics mentioned minor connectivity issues, overall consensus is that the game runs well on both platforms, with room for improvement in certain areas.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the diverse gameplay options and modes that contribute to the replay value of Star Wars Battlefront II. Areajugones praised the game for offering diverse online modes and ongoing free content updates, while COGconnected appreciated the single-player campaign and Arcade mode for providing self-contained challenges. Additionally, XGN noted the opportunity to play as iconic characters from the Star Wars universe, adding to the appeal of the game. The inclusion of new heroes, vehicles, and promised free content updates were also mentioned by critics like Digital Trends and We Got This Covered as factors that enhance the replay value of the multiplayer experience. On the negative side, the progression system tied to loot crates and microtransactions was a common point of criticism among several reviewers. Critics like Digital Chumps and Metro GameCentral mentioned balance issues and fairness concerns related to the multiplayer progression system, which could deter long-term engagement. The frustrating progression system, slow progression curve, and reliance on loot crates were highlighted by critics such as Digital Chumps, Digital Trends, and Metro GameCentral as factors that hinder the overall replay value of the game. The controversial Loot Crate system and pay-to-win elements mentioned by Hardcore Gamer and TrueAchievements also contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the replay value of Star Wars Battlefront II. While the game offers a variety of multiplayer modes and content updates that can potentially extend its lifespan, issues such as the progression system tied to loot crates, pay-to-win elements, and balance concerns in multiplayer modes detract from the overall replayability for many players. Critics like Cheat Code Central and The Sydney Morning Herald highlighted the drawbacks of the progression system, while others like Everyeye.it and We Got This Covered acknowledged the potential longevity of the game with free content updates. Despite some positive aspects, the negative impact of the progression system and microtransactions seems to overshadow the overall replay value for a significant portion of reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Star Wars Battlefront II receives mixed reviews for its replay value. Critics praise diverse gameplay and free updates but criticize the progression system tied to loot crates and pay-to-win elements. While the game offers engaging modes and iconic characters, issues with progression hinder long-term engagement for many players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted in their reviews of Star Wars Battlefront II. Critics such as Areajugones, COGconnected, and Everyeye.it praise the game for its engaging gameplay, high-quality visuals, and captivating storytelling. They appreciate the improvements made over its predecessor, with COGconnected specifically mentioning that the game captures the essence of the Star Wars universe effectively. The game is commended for delivering a comprehensive and immersive experience for fans of the franchise, showcasing a solid multiplayer mode and an enjoyable single-player campaign. On the other hand, criticisms of Star Wars Battlefront II predominantly revolve around its progression system, microtransactions, and loot boxes. Critics like Cheat Code Central, Slant Magazine, and The Daily Dot express disappointment with the confusing progression system, lackluster story, and predatory microtransaction model. Cheat Code Central points out that the writing does not match the strong gameplay and visuals, while Slant Magazine describes the game as a craven sequel with concerns about the progression system and loot boxes. The Daily Dot goes as far as calling the progression system a major disappointment that erases the value of time spent in-game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Star Wars Battlefront II is mixed. While some critics acknowledge the game's strong attributes such as engaging multiplayer modes and impressive visuals, others criticize its flawed progression system and microtransactions. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Game Informer highlight the impact of corporate greed on the gaming industry and the uneven playing field created by microtransactions. Despite the game's potential and improvements over its predecessor, the negative aspects like the pay-to-win system and lackluster story mode detract from its overall appeal, as noted by TrueAchievements and Worth Playing. In conclusion, while Star Wars Battlefront II offers an immersive experience for fans of the franchise, its issues with progression systems and microtransactions hinder its potential to be a truly outstanding title.

TL;DR

Critics praise Star Wars Battlefront II for its engaging gameplay and captivating storytelling, but criticize its progression system, microtransactions, and loot boxes. Some appreciate the game's improvements over its predecessor, while others express disappointment with its flaws. The mixed consensus highlights the game's strong points like multiplayer modes and visuals, but also points out issues with corporate greed and pay-to-win systems. Overall, while offering an immersive experience, the game falls short due to its problematic aspects.

CRITIK

Reviews

102 reviews found

Areajugones

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Battlefront II delivers a comprehensive and captivating experience for fans of the series, combining engaging storytelling, diverse gameplay options, and impressive visuals and sound design.

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Star Wars Battlefront II rights most of the wrongs from the first game and is considered one of the best Star Wars titles ever.

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SomosXbox

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A visually captivating and engaging gaming experience for Star Wars fans despite some drawbacks.

Everyeye.it

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Solid offering for fans of the franchise, satisfying gameplay experience with high-quality visuals and engaging storyline.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a significant improvement over the previous entry in the series, capturing the essence of Star Wars and offering a polished peak for veterans of the franchise.

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LaPS4

PlayStation 4

Nov 17, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite the controversy surrounding microtransactions, Star Wars Battlefront II is praised for its improved gameplay, engaging campaign, and abundance of content. It is considered a much better game than its predecessor.

XGN

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Delivers an enjoyable multiplayer experience with epic battles, but has notable drawbacks like lack of air defense and a short campaign.

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MondoXbox

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, 'Star Wars: Battlefront II' delivers an immersive and engaging experience for fans of the franchise.

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IGN Spain

Xbox One

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The campaign has its highlights and will satisfy many fans. It could have been better with more freedom of movement and a separation from the multiplayer experience.

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Nov 28, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Star Wars Battlefront II is worth playing and buying, but suggests that the developers tried to achieve too much at once. The reviewer would like to see more focus on a solid single player campaign and more of the main character, Iden Versio.

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